The “triple temporary” offices

As of July 1, like the rest of the country, Điện Biên began implementing the two-tier local government model. The number of communes, wards, and towns has been reduced from 129 to 45. With a significantly increased number of staff, but infrastructure still based on the old administrative layout, most locations are now insufficient to meet operational needs. As a result, many commune-level officials and public servants are now working in what are humorously referred to as “triple temporary offices” - temporary workplaces, temporary rest areas, and temporary meal arrangements.

Located along the National Highway 12, the former Pom Lót commune People’s Committee office is now used as the headquarters of Sam Mứn commune, which was formed by merging Pom Lót and Na Ư communes. Originally designed for a single commune’s government staff of about 40 people, the building now serves nearly double that number. To ensure smooth operations from July 1, the commune had to urgently make provisional arrangements.

Phạm Thiết Chùy, Chairman of the Sam Mứn commune People’s Committee, shared: “There are currently around 80 officials and public servants, but the old office only accommodated about 20. Most of our staff from different departments and the Integrated Service Center are temporarily working inside the commune’s multi-purpose sports hall. Facilities here, such as equipment, desks, lighting, and fire safety, are all temporary and just adequate. In addition, staff from the former Na Ư commune who have relocated to the new site also need temporary lodging.”

He added: “At present, we’ve borrowed two surplus classrooms from Pom Lót Primary School to use as temporary housing for staff, with only basic amenities. Since there’s no communal kitchen yet, everyone eats at local food stalls. We’re now installing two rows of prefabricated buildings (11 rooms with steel frames) to provide more suitable working and resting spaces.”

Thanh Nưa commune faces similar challenges, with staffing having increased nearly fourfold. According to Chairman of the commune People’s Committee Chu Văn Bách, the commune is now operating across three different locations (the former Thanh Nưa, Hua Thanh, and Thanh Hưng commune offices). Officials are stationed at each site to assist citizens with administrative procedures and essential needs, minimizing unnecessary travel.

“To ensure suitable working conditions, our staff had to spend days refurbishing old facilities, repainting moldy walls, fixing termite damage, transporting and installing equipment, all done manually by the staff themselves,” explained Bách. “Since July 1, everyone has been working hard to keep the new administrative system running smoothly. However, we’re still at the beginning and facing many more challenges ahead that require collective determination.”

Mường Chà commune, one of the largest and most populous newly merged communes in the province, now has over 100 officials. The new headquarters is located at the former Chà Cang commune office.

Vàng A Chính, Secretary of the Mường Chà commune Party Committee, said: “The office building has about 20 rooms, which is highly inadequate. Moreover, since the new commune was formed by merging four communes (Chà Cang, Chà Nưa, Nậm Tin, Pa Tần), many officials, nearly 60%, have to travel long distances to work. Some must rent rooms from local residents or stay at nearby schools or agencies.”

He added: “Not only are there issues with workspace and accommodation, but we have not yet received the handover of equipment and materials from Nậm Tin Commune due to difficult terrain and recent heavy rains, which caused road blockages. Despite this, our staff remain committed to ensuring uninterrupted operations.”

The “5 knowings” and “3 no’s” spirit of service

Among the 45 new communes and wards, only 10 units have inherited former district-level facilities with adequate infrastructure. The remaining offices rely on old commune-level buildings, cramped, inconsistent, and unable to accommodate the increased staffing levels (2 to 4 times more than before).

Nevertheless, local governments have adopted the motto: “The offices may be temporary, but the spirit of serving the people must be genuine.” They follow the 5 “knowings”: know how to listen, know how to speak, know how to act, know how to apologize, and know how to say thank you. And the 3 “no’s”: no hassle, no evasion, no delay.

These principles have guided the new communes in adapting to change and maintaining operational continuity. The Administrative Service Centers, where public and business administrative needs are handled, have been prioritized by local authorities.

Currently, the most accessible and well-equipped locations in each commune are designated as Administrative Service Centers. A dedicated Vice Chairman of each commune’s People’s Committee is assigned to oversee the center, ensuring seamless operations and prompt service for residents. Officials are also stationed at different locations to process administrative requests, preventing citizens from having to travel unnecessarily far.

Phạm Thiết Chùy, Chairman of Sam Mứn commune People’s Committee, stated: “Although our commune isn’t densely populated and we only handle around 20 administrative requests daily, we still assign 1-2 staff members from each department to be on standby. This way, if demand spikes, especially as the new school year approaches with more student paperwork, we can avoid backlogs and long wait times.”

Similarly, Vàng A Chính, Secretary of the Mường Chà commune Party Committee, affirmed that the first priority when launching the new local government was to ensure the Administrative Service Center was fully operational. Despite workspace challenges, we repurposed the commune’s cultural house to install the best available equipment and machines. The Vice Chairman in charge works directly at the center to promptly resolve all matters.

At every center, officials are present to assist with paperwork and guide residents through procedures, ensuring no one has to travel unnecessarily. Since July 1, each center has handled around 20-30 administrative cases daily. Valid applications are processed immediately to avoid repeat visits, while incomplete ones are clearly explained with guidance on what to supplement, ensuring the best possible service.

Chính concluded: “Once organizational structure stabilizes, we’ll assign fieldwork teams to assess conditions on the ground, reinforce local infrastructure, and develop clear plans to implement socioeconomic development goals and maintain local security and defense.”